Petition · Home Office
Review and expand the definition of rape in law
Open for signatures
79 signatures
What the petition asks
Currently, under the law, men and women who are sexually assaulted by women cannot be seen as rape victims due to a definition focused on penetration with a penis, even though many people view this as rape. Female perpetrators can only be charged with other sexual offences. We think this is wrong.
The law should change to include all perpetrators. The government has a large majority and could expand the law or change it entirely to something gender neutral such as any form of sex that is without consent. We think this would better recognise victims in the law and would mean all victims are taken more seriously but is only the first step to support victims. We think the government could easily do this. If you sign this, you could contribute to it being in public debate and to there being the stated change.
Timeline
| 27 May 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
79
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Home Office
Opened
27 May 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.